TITLE:
Epidemiological Profile and Role of Medical Imaging in Pediatric Emergencies at Ignace Deen Teaching Hospital, Conakry
AUTHORS:
Aminata Sakho, Thierno Hamidou Balde, Sény Youla
KEYWORDS:
Pediatric Emergencies, Management, Medical Imaging, Childhood Morbidity
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.5,
September
4,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Pediatric emergencies represent a major public health challenge in developing countries, where delayed consultation and limited technical resources often compromise patient management. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of medical imaging in the management of pediatric emergencies at Ignace Deen National Hospital. Methods: This was a six-month prospective descriptive study conducted from February 1 to July 31, 2024, including all children aged 1 month to 15 years admitted to the pediatric emergency department. Results: Among 1910 children seen in consultation, 188 (9.84%) were admitted for pediatric emergencies. The most affected age group was 1 - 4 years (45.2%). Fever was the leading presenting complaint (92%). All cases required hospitalization, with most patients classified as stages 3 to 5 according to the modified Clinical Classification of Emergency Patients (CCMU). Medical imaging—mainly ultrasonography (73 examinations, 93% pathological) and radiography (40 examinations, 80% pathological)—played a key role in diagnosing thoracic and abdominopelvic conditions. Clinical outcomes were favorable in 86.1% of cases, while 26 deaths (13.9%) were recorded, predominantly due to severe malaria and meningitis. Conclusion: Pediatric emergencies account for a substantial proportion of hospital admissions, mainly affecting children under five years of age. Although performed in a limited number of patients, medical imaging plays a crucial role in diagnostic orientation and clinical decision-making.